Neuroscience Research Technician — Behavioral & Molecular Lab

University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Tennessee, Knoxville is seeking a laboratory technician to support neuroscience and biochemistry research. The role involves wet-lab experiments, animal work, histology, and image analysis in onsite facilities.

You will prepare reagents, maintain inventories, document data, and collaborate with researchers on both routine and complex studies. The position expects a Bachelor’s degree and experience with rodent behavioral assays.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience or Cell Biology.
• Experience with behavioral assays using rodent models.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Perform a broad range of molecular, cellular, and histological laboratory techniques to support ongoing neuroscience research projects.
• Assist with tissue collection, fixation, sectioning, and processing; immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining; PCR and genotyping; RNA/DNA extraction; Western blotting; and other molecular and biochemical assays.
• Follow established protocols carefully, maintain detailed and accurate experimental records, troubleshoot technical challenges, and assist with the optimization and development of experimental procedures.
• Work independently on routine experiments while collaborating closely with researchers on more complex studies.
• Assist with day-to-day management and maintenance of laboratory mouse colonies, breeding, weaning, genotyping, and record keeping.
• Perform and assist with mouse behavioral assays designed to assess sensory, cognitive, emotional, social, and ethologically relevant behaviors.
• Conduct animal procedures in accordance with IACUC protocols and institutional policies.
• Document behavioral and experimental data, maintain organized animal records, and coordinate timelines and availability.
• Prepare biological samples for microscopic examination and acquire images via epifluorescence and confocal microscopy.
• Optimize imaging settings for reproducible datasets and analyze images using appropriate software.
• Develop and apply standardized image-analysis workflows and maintain metadata.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, media, and other materials; maintain reagent records and expiration dates; manage inventory and orders.
• Maintain equipment and ensure shared spaces meet safety requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Independent and collaborative work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience or Cell Biology

Job description

University of Tennessee, Knoxville is seeking a laboratory technician to support neuroscience and biochemistry research. The role involves wet-lab experiments, animal work, histology, and image analysis in onsite facilities.

You will prepare reagents, maintain inventories, document data, and collaborate with researchers on both routine and complex studies. The position expects a Bachelor’s degree and experience with rodent behavioral assays.